RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1905 of 2368

During NG tube insertion, the nurse meets resistance in the nostril that does not ease with gentle rotation. Which action is correct?

  1. Withdraw the tube, let the client rest, relubricate, and retry or use the other nare
  2. Push the tube with firm pressure to pass the narrowing and continue inserting it
  3. Ask the client to swallow and force the tube forward past the narrowing
  4. Cut the tube shorter to make it stiffer and continue inserting it in the nostril
Show answer

Correct answer: Withdraw the tube, let the client rest, relubricate, and retry or use the other nare

Forcing the tube can cause injury. Withdraw, rest, relubricate, and retry or try the other nostril.

Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Insert Nasogastric and Feeding Tubes: CHECKLIST: INSERT A NASOGASTRIC TUBE. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026